Winter 2025 Newsletter: Henri Nouwen Society. Image of a book and coffee cup in front of candles.
 
A Message from the Executive Director:
At the Henri Nouwen Society, our mission remains both clear and deeply meaningful: to share Henri’s spiritual vision with new generations and to accompany those seeking a deeper relationship with God, themselves, and one another. Henri’s voice continues to resonate across all walks of life — especially in seasons of uncertainty, restlessness, or spiritual searching. As we engage with people in the programs you see highlighted in this newsletter, we experience together how Henri’s words offer comfort, challenge, and lasting inspiration.
 
We are profoundly grateful for your partnership in this work. Your prayers, encouragement, and financial support make it possible to extend Henri’s legacy in ways that are both faithful to his message and responsive to today’s spiritual needs. Looking ahead, we’re excited to grow our global reach (especially through the release of our new Nouwen Meditation App), deepen engagement with spiritual seekers, and develop resources that reflect the heart of Henri’s enduring message: that we are all the beloved of God. Thank you for journeying with us — we truly couldn’t do this without you.
 
With gratitude and hope,
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“When we become aware that we do not have to escape our pains, but that we can mobilize them into a common search for life, those very pains are transformed from expressions of despair into signs of hope.”
 
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“I have found the Henri Nouwen book club to be a place of quiet blessing. As we discuss Henri Nouwen's writing, we end up discussing our shared spiritual experiences. This brings encouragement, peace, and a deep sense of fellowship. For those wishing to explore their spiritual walk more deeply, the Henri Nouwen book club is a great place to start.”  

 
Fall 2025: We are in the midst of three back-to-back Book Clubs focused on the trilogy of Nouwen work: Spiritual Direction (studied in the September), Spiritual Formation (meeting in October), and Discernment (coming up in November). Each Book Club meets for 3 weeks and dives deep into Nouwen’s wisdom and its application for our daily lives. 
 
 

“Henri Nouwen has helped me tremendously on my Spiritual Journey. I am inspired by him and sometimes I send his passages to my family members to inspire them too.”  

2026 Book Clubs: Mark your calendars!
Can't make the Book Club?
Journey Together: A Nouwen Book Club Video Companion: We are creating video kits for each book club so that you can hold your own study in your church or with friends. Kits will include an opening that includes spiritual practice, reflection questions, and closing.
 
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Videos and Reflection Guides – for Individual or Small Group Engagement
 
Creation Speaks: Nature as a Path to God – with Robert Jonas. This series was wonderfully calming to my spirit. . .
A Beautiful Adventure: The Gift of the Arts in Spiritual Formation – with Carolyn Arends.
A Beautiful Adventure: The Gift of the Arts in Spiritual Formation – with Carolyn Arends.
 
 

“In a world filled with distractions and disappointments nothing soothes the soul more than a Henri Nouwen Society series. They helped me focus, they encouraged me, and I always had a sustaining sense of peace.”

 
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Join Bruce Adema and Wendy VanderWal Martin each Sunday in December to enter into the waiting and longing of Advent. Each week we’ll share the spiritual wisdom of Henri Nouwen and together observe this rich liturgical season.
 

Young diverse group of people smiling at camera. Caption: 30 Under 30 Nouwen Leaders
 
Our young Nouwen leaders are now halfway through their one-year journey together—meeting regularly as a cohort, receiving mentorship, and developing their Nouwen projects to be shared at the 30th Anniversary Conference.
We are still in need of sponsorships to help cover travel and accommodation expenses so these emerging leaders can participate in the 2026 conference. We believe God will use this remarkable cohort to amplify, extend, and deepen the spiritual life of their generation.
 
To sponsor a young leader: Please contact Wendy    wvanderwalmartin@henrinouwen.org

 
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To mark the 30th anniversary of Henri Nouwen’s death and honor his lasting influence, we will gather to explore how his writings guide us in responding to today’s global, social, and personal challenges. 
 
Drawing on Nouwen’s deep spiritual and psychological insights, the conference will feature notable keynote speakers and offer a range of workshops and seminars on Spirituality and Theology; Art and Culture; Ministry and Caregiving, and Global Challenges—offering inspiration and renewal for all. 
 
Want to learn more? 

 
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From August 21–23, the Henri Nouwen Society and the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, hosted a deeply enriching Academic Symposium celebrating the life and influence of Henri Nouwen. The event brought together over 150 scholars, theologians, students, and learners for three days of thoughtful dialogue and reflection on Nouwen’s enduring contribution to the academy. A heartfelt thank-you to Fr. Ron Rolheiser for delivering the inaugural Henri Nouwen Lecture, setting the tone for an inspiring series of presentations. We also extend our sincere gratitude to all the presenters for their outstanding scholarship and engaging discussions that made the symposium such a meaningful success.
 

"I was impressed with how meaningful Nouwen’s writings are in shaping today’s spirituality. All speakers and those presenting papers gave food for further thought and a return to rereading some of Nouwen’s books."

 
Join us by financially supporting Henri Nouwen's mission: to invite people into a deeper spiritual life grounded in their Belovedness.

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3377 Bayview Ave, Suite A508
Toronto, Ontario M2M 3S4, Canada